Do not forget to click YES to vote for this guide if you found it of some help... scroll to the bottom of the page here....and click the YES button .....to help make this guide visible to other eBayers who may find if useful as well - the more "YES" Votes this guide gets the more visible it will become on eBay pages... Also, check out my other articles on various topics!

-The Goldmine Standard - The Universal way to grade records-

Grading should be done visually under a strong light, and records should be test played in their entirety on Technics SL-1200MK2 turntables with SHURE SC35C cartridges or something comparable.  Grading should be done honestly and fairly

Vinyl grading is usually based on the Goldmine standard and is as follows:

“SS” Still Sealed – For the collector that demands nothing but perfection.

“M” Mint - a near perfect, or unplayed record.

“NM” Near Mint - in factory fresh condition, like new.

EX+ - close to like new with only superficial signs of use that don't affect play. Will satisfy all but the most vain and demanding collector.

EX - a used, reasonable copy. Shows slight signs of wear.

VG+ - There will be obvious signs of wear and the possibility a few skuffs and/or light surface noise between tracks or during quiet passages, but still quite nice.

VG - significant wear and marks and usually quite noticeable surface noise,still plays great.

Good - In the record world, "Good" is not good! From here on down, we're talking about beat-up records!

Please, if this guide was helpful, please vote "YES" right below.  Also, check out my other articles on various topics!